The Lumen Christi Institute is pleased to host reading groups for the University of Chicago community, particularly so while many individuals are working remotely. Below are the student reading groups scheduled for the Fall quarter of 2020.
New Testament Greek – Epistle of St. James
Mondays at 1:15 pm CT, Zoom
Starting October 5
Work on your New Testament Greek this autumn by reading through the Epistle of James. A powerful exhortation to Christian living, the Epistle of James emphasizes above all the importance of good works: not speaking evil, not trusting in riches, not giving in to temptation. Many striking formulations give the epistle literary merit.
Our goal is to translate the whole of this short epistle. Emphasis will be placed on literary form and expression. Sessions will be led by the Lumen Christi Institute’s postdoctoral fellow, Andrew Horne (PhD Classics, University of Chicago).
Questions can be directed to Andrew Horne.
Latin Vulgate Reading Group – The Book of Genesis
Tuesdays at 1:15 pm CT, Zoom
Starting October 6
Reading Vulgate prose is an excellent way to build facility and speed in Latin—it helps you learn to “read” rather than “translate.” Jerome’s marvelous translation is also well worth studying in its own right, as one of the most beautiful of any Biblical translations.
In this informal reading group, we will focus on highlights from the book of Genesis—Creation, the Fall, Noah, Abraham, and other unforgettable episodes from the opening book of the Bible. Emphasis will be placed on literary form and narrative technique. Advanced preparation is typically not necessary.
Sessions will be led by the Lumen Christi Institute’s postdoctoral fellow, Andrew Horne (PhD Classics, University of Chicago).
Questions can be directed to Andrew Horne.
Science and Religion Reading Group
Wednesdays, every other week, 12:30 pm CT, Zoom
Starting October 7
This participant-driven reading group will include flexible lunch-time discussions on various topics at the intersection of religion and science– ranging from questions concerning gene editing and the use of technology, to the origin of the universe.
All levels of expertise and interest welcome. Brief readings will be sent in advance of every meeting.
Questions can be directed to Peter Tierney.
‘Fratelli Tutti’ Reading Group
Wednesays, weekly, 4:30 pm CT, Zoom
November 4-18
The human family is indeed a family: it would do well to act like one. In his new encyclical Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis synthesizes key themes of his pontificate under a single injunction, the need to think of human beings as forming a family. The logic of our personal relationships should be the logic that governs politics on every level. The Pope touches on many social and political themes in the encyclical—immigration, populism, economic injustice, loneliness. But his basic message is to change the way we think, to change our attitude towards our fellow humans. He wants us to make the family metaphor central to our lives and politics.
Come join us for an informal reading group, in which we discuss the main themes of the encyclical over three sessions. Session 1: “A Diagnosis.” Session 2: “A Change in Attitude.” Session 3: “Topics in Political Thought.”
Questions can be directed to Andrew Horne.